Alarm Registration

Alarm System #1The purpose of the City of Wilton Manors Alarm Ordinance is to encourage security alarm users to maintain operational reliability and to ensure the proper use of alarm systems thereby limiting unnecessary police emergency responses to false alarms/alarm malfunctions. National studies have shown that 98% of all alarm calls to law enforcement involve false alarms.


The National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) and False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA) recommend that you take these easy steps to prevent false alarms:


  1. Become familiar with how to operate the system and how to use its features. Studies have shown that human error accounts for 75% of all false alarms!
  2. Please read and retain the operator’s manual for your security system.
  3. Make sure that everyone who has a key to your home or business knows how to operate the security system.
  4. Rehearse alarm cancellation with everyone who might use your system.
  5. If your system does not seem to be working properly, call your security company.
  6. Call your security company if you change your phone number, or plan to move.
  7. Test your system regularly. Notify your security monitoring company when you test your system.
  8. When purchasing a system, deal only with a licensed, reputable company that obtains the required installation permits.

Understanding False Alarms

Though alarm systems are effective with proper installation, training, and maintenance, false alarms are a tremendous drain on public safety resources and can cause strained relationships between you and public safety. Consumers need to take responsibility for their alarm systems and be aware of the ramifications of false alarms and how they affect public safety response.


False alarms are caused by a number of reasons

  • Errors by employees, cleaning crews, friends, caretakers, maintenance employees, delivery personnel, contractors, landscapers and apartment management.
  • Relatives with a key to your home who have no knowledge of your alarm system.
  • Pets, birds, rodents, bugs and/or wildlife.
  • Items within your home or business that may move into the path of a motion sensor, i.e. balloons, signs, curtains, holiday decorations, etc.
  • Open windows.
  • Unlatched or defective doors or windows.
  • User error.
  • Faulty, defective or malfunctioning equipment.
  • Lack of adequate training.
  • Lack of proper maintenance, including battery replacement.
  • Questionable system design and equipment installation practices.

The few examples listed above are examples of significant causes of false alarms to which public safety agencies respond. You can be part of the solution and avoid becoming part of the false alarm problem by asking some simple questions about all the companies you are considering before you buy or lease an alarm system.


  • Ask each alarm company how the system they propose avoids false alarms.
  • Ask how you can operate the alarm system in order to avoid false alarms.
  • Be sure you know what you are buying, how much it will cost, and the level of support you will receive after you are a customer. Being an informed consumer and cognizant of your responsibilities and those of your alarm company will help you decide what system and features are right for you. Doing your homework before signing on the dotted line is a consumer’s best defense.

Alarm System #2All residential and business alarms in the city must have a permit.  Please register your home or business alarm online by clicking on the link to the Alarm Registration page.

 

The alarm registration form may also be obtained, and fees paid, during normal City Hall hours. The registration form can also be downloaded below. Note that the physical form must be signed and mailed-in or dropped-off along to us with the $25.00 registration fee.

Wilton Manors Police Department
Attn: Alarm Administrator
2020 Wilton Drive
Wilton Manors, FL 33305